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Productivity boosted ahead

June 10, 2016

Finding new ways to make operations more efficient and less expensive is a challenge. KGHM mines in Poland has found that using Atlas Copco products and service provided them with the tools needed to achieve their goals.

“For non stop mining, there is a need to be able to determine if there are tectonic disturbances or ore body discontinuations ahead of the production face”. Prior to 2009 KGHM used contractors to drill the required net of holes to recover core samples. Today, the mine is drilling their own net of holes and have been very successful. Atlas Copco’s reputation for superior products and service has made them the supplier of choice for KGHM Polska MiedŸ S.A.

KGHM Polska MiedŸ S.A. is a modern and innovative company, being not only an attractive employer, but also a people-friendly environment who together are building the value and the image of the Company. The Company treats the safety of its employees and the environment as a priority issue.

One key factor in keeping the mines running is the need to recognize tectonic disturbances or ore body discontinuations ahead of the ore samples. In 2009 one of the mines decided to invest in one complete drilling kit (core drilling rig and consumables) to make operations more efficient and less expensive, by drilling their own net of holes to recover core samples.

Atlas Copco was selected as supplier of choice based on the reputation of their products and service. The Diamec 262 was recommended, due to the underground conditions and planned work. The drilling rig was modified to a flameproof version to meet ATEX regulations for all underground exploration machinery in the mine. A package of consumables with O-Series ITH and Excore diamond tools completed the delivery.

Foreman Jan Jakubowicz’s experience with surface and underground drilling made him the best candidate from KGHM Rudna mine to test and introduce new equipment at the mine. At the very beginning Atlas Copco equipment and tools gave superior performance compared to previous contractors operations. Production jumped up from 6 m per shift to 15 m best results. This is exceptional as effective drilling time is 3 – 3,5 hr per shift, due to extensive underground travelling to the drill site.

Another positive surprise for the mine was the consumption of drill bits. Previously the bit had to be changed every 100 – 150 m and now the average for the Excore BO 5-7 ECF13 8ww bit is 700 m with good penetration rate 20 – 25 cm/min in competent dolomite formation. The best result achieved with one single Excore 5 – 7 bit is 1500 m.

"“Today the cost of diamond tools become penny per drilled meter. From the very beginning all operational cost for new equipment were precicely controlled to prove the investment was correct. We are very happy with the results.”"

Jan Jakubowicz, Foreman KGHM Polska Mied S.A.

The next investment for the mine is the new Excore head assembly and overshot which was introduced to the market in 2012 with positive feedback, says Artur Makos, Product line Manager, High Performance Diamond Tools.

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